Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung has initiated a significant reshuffle of his Cabinet, replacing ministers of six government agencies in an urgent bid to address rapidly declining approval ratings. This sudden move resulted in Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yun-cheol canceling an overseas trip, reflecting the administration's urgency.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the reshuffle is seen as an attempt by President Lee to reset his administration with what is being termed a second-term Cabinet. Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik emphasized that the new nominees are expected to bring "dynamism and expertise" to produce tangible results. However, critics argue that merely replacing ministers will not suffice to restore public confidence, as the president's micromanagement of policy directions remains a central concern.
Public dissatisfaction has played a significant role in prompting this Cabinet overhaul. A recent Gallup Korea poll revealed President Lee's negative job rating reaching 50 percent, marking the first time it has hit such a low. Key issues cited by respondents include dissatisfaction with real estate policy, reduced prosecutorial powers, the economy, ethical concerns surrounding President Lee's trials, and defense and security matters.
Several controversies under the affected ministries have exacerbated public discontent. These include proposed taxes on unoccupied homes, confusion over housing development on Yongsan Park, the abolition of prosecutors' supplementary investigative authority, police mishandling of missing persons cases, and conflicts between the president and the judiciary. Additionally, issues such as extreme stock market volatility and disputes over wartime operational control have further fueled concerns.
While the timing of the reshuffle appears strategic, focusing on the finance, land, justice, and defense ministries, critics assert that it falls short of addressing the underlying issues. President Lee's reversal on tax pledges, his allies' push to abolish supplementary investigations, and his extraordinary rejection of a Supreme Court justice recommendation underscore the challenges that lie ahead.
Some of the new nominees have raised eyebrows, potentially deepening public concern. Justice minister nominee Kim Seung-won, known for advocating the cancellation of prosecutions in President Lee's trials, faces scrutiny over his stance on prosecutorial authority. Similarly, defense minister nominee Kang Shin-chul must prioritize national interests on contentious issues, including operational control and military academy mergers.
The appointments of Basic Income Party lawmaker Yong Hye-in as gender equality minister and Rebuilding Korea Party lawmaker Lee Hai-min as senior presidential secretary for AI future planning have sparked criticism over perceived attempts to consolidate the ruling bloc. Meanwhile, Ha Jung-woo's nomination as vice chair of the National AI Strategy Committee is viewed as a potential revolving-door appointment.
Ultimately, the success of the reshuffle hinges on President Lee's ability to enact meaningful changes that resonate with the public. Without demonstrable improvements, new faces alone may not suffice to alter perceptions of an administration struggling to regain its footing.